What is the 5 best laptops for nursing school students? One of the most essential learning tools for a student of a nursing school is the laptop.
Therefore, if you are one of those students you may already be on the lookout for one of the best laptops to use in your school.
Ideally, a laptop for nursing school students should meet all the hardware and software requirements of your school.
It should allow you to work on all those necessary research papers, read them and compile the notes that you need to make your project.
Now, what is the best type of laptop that you can use in your nursing school. Though the question may seem difficult, the answer to it is quite simple.
You will need a laptop that comes with good specs and features which will help you in turn to maximize your productivity as much as possible.
It should also have the ability to do all those tasks that you want it to do in quick time and with maximum accuracy. This will not only be less tiring for you but will also raise the level of confidence in you.
It should also be light in weight so that you can carry it anywhere with ease and it must also come with a long battery life so that you can work on it all day.
If you want to know more of the requirements in a laptop for nursing school students, follow the buying guide in the end. This will help you to make the right choice.
Now, in order to make your selection process much easier and quicker, here is a list of recommendations of laptops that you can use in your nursing school.
These laptops do not only come with the useful features that will help you in your studies but also are durable enough to last for the entire period of your school session which may last for about four to five years with training.
This will save you the time and hassle of buying another laptop in the middle of a term and try to back up the entire storage, media, lecture notes, software, and set up.
Laptops for Nursing School Students Price List
The Need for a Laptop for Nursing School Students
Before emphasizing on the need of a laptop for a nursing school student there is one thing that you should know first.
It is that you do not need to buy one of the most advanced laptops for your studies, but using a laptop is a must.
Now the question is why should you really need a laptop while you can use the tablet that you already have. Well, there are lots of good reasons for it.
First, your school itself may have some requirements. They may even want specific types of laptops to be used by their students.
Secondly, a laptop will allow you to run all the necessary software on it which a tablet may not support.
Thirdly, a laptop is essential to take on your exams, such as the NCLEX or National Council Licensure Examination.
It will allow you to run all software that is typically used by the nursing schools and visit the different websites for your studies and research.
The software used by a nursing school includes Microsoft Office that includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and others.
You will also need Adobe Reader for taking lecture notes and doing your homework and other assignments.
Software programs like Flash, Java, Shockwave, and QuickTime are also necessary to make quick animations, run different tutorials and instructional videos, making podcasts, and more.
You may also need Typhon clinical logs for tracking different data of different patients during clinicals, Lexicomp as the library of medication information and Epocrates which is an all-encompassing reference.
All modern laptops will be able to run these programs with Mac OS X and Windows operating systems with no issues but not a tablet, at least not all of the tablets.
For all these reasons you will need a laptop though a tablet or other handheld devices can be good and useful complements that you can use for some quick references and to gather some for information.
Now you may ask, what if your school has a computer lab and allows all students to use it for free? Well, this is a useful option but should not be the only one.
Having your own personal laptop is much more convenient, hassle-free and will not have any time restrictions for usage as the computer lab of your college.
Therefore, between a handheld device and the computer lab of your nursing school, you should choose the other option- your own laptop.
This will prevent the wave of home assignments from starting to pile up one on top of the other.
5 Best Laptops for Nursing School Students 2020:
1. Apple MacBook Air
This is one of the best laptops for the students of a nursing school.
The Intel Core i5 processor, though has only two cores, operates at a base clock speed of 1.8 GHz, which is fast enough for performing some basic commuting tasks.
This processor comes with 3 MB shared L3 cache which can operate at a maximum speed of 2.9 GHz using the Intel Turbo Boost technology.
Along with that the Intel HD Graphics 6000 produces good quality images on the 13.3-inch screen which comes with LED-backlit, glossy, and widescreen features.
The resolution of the display, which is 1440 x 900 pixels, supports millions of colors while delivering the images at 16:10 aspect ratio.
The 128 GB storage, though small, is SSD and therefore is good enough to make the system perform fast and boot up in quick time.
The 8 GB RAM, once again low, but will also support the performance of the laptop on the whole.
You will get two USB 3 ports that operate at a speed of 5 Gbps, one SDXC port, and Thunderbolt 2 port that can transfer files at a rate of 20 Gbps in the system that will allow you to add quite a few external devices for expansion and charging.
There is also a MagSafe 2 power port in the system.
The wireless network communication will provide you with a stable connection with the wi-fi wireless networking standard of 802.11ac.
This is compatible with the 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n IEEE standards as well. Add to it, the Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology is also a welcome inclusion.
You will be able to take all the notes in your class all day with its long battery life that may last up to 12 hours.
With all these features and elements in it, this laptop is one of the best for nursing school students in 2020.
It is all due to the unmatchable performance and portability of the laptop that has made it one of the most essential requirements for the nursing school students. Check out Apple MacBook Air Review.
Key Features
- Screen: 13.3 inches
- Storage: 128 GB SSD
- RAM: 8 GB
- Processor: Dual Core Intel i5
- OS: Mac OS X 10.0 Cheetah
- GPU: Intel HD Graphics 6000
Pros
- The laptop boots up fast and without any issue.
- It runs smoothly and quietly.
- It is light in weight.
Cons
- The laptop does not have a Retina display.
- The processor is only a dual core.
- The storage capacity is low.
2. Microsoft Surface Pro 7
This is one of the best 2 in 1 laptop for nursing school students. It comes with more versatility allowing you to use it as a tablet and as a laptop.
The excellent display will allow you to read, write or sketch on the screen most naturally.
The 10th generation Intel Core processor is fast and redefines the performance of a thin and light laptop.
With both USB Type C and USB Type A ports in this laptop you will get more ways to connect your displays, docking stations and other devices.
You can also use it for charging your devices.
The system is extremely light in weight weighing just 1.70 pounds and the design of it makes it stand out from the rest 2-in-1 laptops within this same class.
You can work on it all day in your school, thanks to the long battery life of up to 10.5 hours.
This lithium polymer battery also has a fast charging ability talking about only an hour to get 80% of its charge from empty.
In addition to that, the front and rear camera system will allow you to make clear and crisp video recording at 1080p.
The system is very durable due to its sturdy frame and no flex issues. In spite of its lightweight, it will not bend easily when you throw it in your backpack.
One of the biggest improvements and features of this system is the microphone set up. This will ensure a clear and crisp Skype call even when you are indoors with the TV on.
The Cortana is quite good and useful which at times even works better than Alexa or Google Assistant when you look for answers to your questions regarding the weather, directions and others.
The display is excellent with adequate brightness and outstanding color balance and saturation.
It also comes with the ambient light sensing feature that helps you to see things clearly on it even in the dark.
However, the system also allows you to change the settings if you want to modify it for a specific time period.
The kickstand is steady and offers multiple ranges of angles. The system offers a lot of horsepower when you use it in the tablet mode and stays cool most of the time.
This laptop is also very good for multi-tasking without any issues or lags. You can even use wi-fi 6 on the tablet.
You can expect good and clear sound from the speakers shooting it directly to your face.
It is quite a good audio system for any average listener. Check out Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Review.
Key Features
- Screen: 12.3 inches
- Storage: 256 GB SSD
- RAM: 8 GB
- Processor: 10th generation Intel Quad Core i5 1035G4
- OS: Windows 10 Home
- GPU: Intel Iris Plus
Pros
- The laptop comes with the latest 10th generation processor making it super-fast.
- The IR camera for Windows Hello face sign-in makes it a secure laptop to use.
- Cortana is very responsive and listens to the instructions pretty well.
Cons
- There is no optical drive in the system.
- This 2-in-1 laptop does not come with a Surface Pen.
- The screen is as it is small and the thick bezel makes it look smaller.
3. Acer Chromebook 14
One of the best laptops for the nursing school students, this laptop comes with an Intel quad core processor that can deal with data and instructions quite effortlessly and quickly.
The base clock speed of this Celeron processor ranges between 1.6 GHz and 2.24 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost technology.
The full HD display comes with widescreen, LED backlit and IPS technology that promises clearer and better images.
The Comfy View feature ensures that your eyes are not strained when you look at it for long hours.
Though the RAM and internal storage of the system both are quite low as compared to other laptops these days, these are enough to support the processor and the Google Chrome operating system to allow you to do some basic computing tasks on this device efficiently.
The 3-cell lithium polymer battery with a power of 3950 mAh will promise a 12-hour long battery life and will allow you to work on it all day.
With the touchpad and a keyboard that feels nice, you will have a better typing experience while working on this machine.
The 802.11ac wi-fi networking feature allows fast and reliable connectivity with its MIMO technology and dual bands operating at 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz.
You will also get a Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity in addition to that.
You can make video calls or take clear pictures using the HD Webcam at 1280 x 720 pixels.
This camera comes with a wide-angle lens to capture everything within the picture frame and also supports High Dynamic Range or HDR.
The system also allows you to connect enough devices to it externally using the two USB 3.0 ports and the solitary HDMI port.
The laptop weighs 3.42 pounds only and therefore you can carry it anywhere you feel like. Check out Acer Chromebook 14 Review.
Key Features
- Screen: 14 inches
- Storage: 32 GB
- RAM: 4 GB DDR3 SDRAM
- Processor: Intel Quad Core Celeron N3160
- OS: Chrome OS
- GPU: Integrated Intel HD Graphics
Pros
- The keyboard is quite good for typing with a nice feel.
- The mouse area is nice and very responsive.
- The screen is good and displays clear images.
Cons
- The system comes with only 4 GB RAM.
- The internal storage of the system is very low at 32 GB only.
- There are limited ports in the system.
4. Asus ZenBook UX430UA
This is a different type of laptop that is ultraportable, a common feature of the Asus ZenBook.
The design of this system is sophisticated and elegant and it is very travel-friendly and work-friendly.
The display comes with a Nano Edge bezel design that provides more real estate or screen space.
Add to that, the lightweight build of the system provides the perfect combination of portability and screen size.
The styling of the laptop is as good as the high performance that it promises with its quality components.
This powerhouse will allow faster transfer of files anywhere and anytime with its USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 ports.
There is also a micro HDMI and USB Type C port that will allow you to have extensive connectivity options.
Add to that, you will also get an SD card reader for extra convenience.
The latest 8th generation Intel i7 processor will process the data and instructions at a speed of 1.8 GHz, which can be Turbo boosted up to 4.0 GHz.
The SSD storage is quite fast and the adequate RAM of the device will support the performance and functionality of the processor and the Intel HD 620 graphics card.
This durable machine built from aluminum will also offer a reliable wireless connectivity with its 802.11ac IEEE standard networking communication.
If you want more the system will also provide you with a Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity.
You will not have to worry about the security aspect of this system while using due to the built-in fingerprint reader that allows a one-touch and faster login through the Windows Hello feature.
For additional comfort in typing, the system comes with a backlit keyboard and keys with nice travel and feedback. Therefore, you can type on this keyboard both during the day and at night.
Key Features
- Screen: 14 inches
- Storage: 512 GB SSD
- RAM: 16 GB DDR3
- Processor: 8th generation Core i7 8550U
- OS: Windows 10
- GPU: Intel HD Graphics 620
Pros
- The system comes with a built-in fingerprint reader to allow faster and password free login.
- The backlit keyboard with decent key travel promises a better typing experience.
- It is a sleek and lightweight laptop which makes it highly portable.
Cons
- The laptop does not come with any optical drive.
- The battery life could have been better.
- There is no number pad in the keyboard design.
5. LG Gram 13Z980
This is another good laptop for the nursing school students to use.
It comes with a full HD LCD screen with IPS technology, the most common and useful Windows 10 Home operating system, a 72-watt-hour battery that has perhaps the longest life of 22.5 hours, and the latest 8th generation Intel core i5 processor.
All these features along with the 8 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD storage promises a very high level of performance of this extremely portable machine that weighs a little over 2 pounds.
You will get a Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity along with a wireless communication standard of 802.11ac that will ensure that you are connected to the internet without any issues or drops.
If you want durability, then you can rely on its built that comes with a MIL STD 810G standard certification.
On the other hand, if you want comfort while typing, you can rely on the backlit keyboard of the system that provides a nice feel, feedback and key travel.
The very thin bezel at the two sides of the screen provides more viewing space and less clutter on the screen. There is a HD webcam built-in on top of the 1080p IPS display.
Therefore, this laptop has got everything from durability to portability that will promise a premium performance due the hardware components included in it.
In short, this is a good laptop for all purposes and for all types of users, including the nursing school students.
Key Features
- Screen: 13.3 inches
- Storage: 256 GB SSD
- RAM: 8 GB DDR SDRAM
- Processor: 8th generation Intel Core i5 8250U
- OS: Windows 10 Home
- GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 620
Pros
- The battery life seems to be unending at 22 hours in test conditions.
- There are multiple ports in the system including USB Type C.
- The backlit keyboard allows easy typing in the dark.
Cons
- The laptop does not come with a fingerprint ID.
- The display of the laptop does not have touchscreen feature.
- There is no Thunderbolt 3 port in the system.
Things to Know before Buying a Laptop for Nursing School Students
If you consider a few things before buying a laptop for your nursing school, you will be better off and make the right choice according to your need as well as that of your school.
Just like each individual has different needs, the nursing schools may also have their own.
First, check it out with them if they have any specific recommendations, suggestions and what are the other requirements in the laptop they wish to have.
Once you are done with your initial research with the IT department of your school, focus on these specific laptop shopping factors before you make your final decision to buy a particular laptop for your nursing school to get a high value and return on your investment.
Performance
When it comes to the performance of a laptop, there are three main features that define it.
These are the processor, the RAM, and the storage capacity of the laptop.
As a nursing student, you will need to do a lot of multitasking on your laptop.
Therefore, you should always choose a laptop that comes with at least an i3, if not an i5, processor.
The RAM of the laptop should be at least 4 GB and come with a storage capacity of 128 GB and that too of the SSD type.
This is because the SSD storage will cut down the loading time and make the laptop very responsive.
It will save a lot of your time that you can devote in other areas of your study or in your personal life.
Of course, the higher the configuration you can afford, the better.
It will then enable you to do a lot of things on your laptop apart from meeting the basic computing needs of your nursing school. This will also future proof your laptop.
However, all these are for Windows laptops where you will get a wide and diverse options to choose from.
If you are a fan of those Chromebooks and want to buy one, then your choice options will be limited.
Portability
Since you are a student, you will need to carry a lot of textbooks along with your laptop to your classes as well as to the library.
If you do not want to make your bag heavy and difficult to lug around, always choose a laptop that is light in weight and thin. This will reduce the burden on your shoulders.
Since portability depends on two specific aspects namely, the screen size and the weight of the laptop, you should choose a device that comes with a screen size ranging between 13 to 15 inches and weighing less than or equal to 5 pounds.
Battery life
Since you will spend most of the time of the day, and even evenings, in your nursing school for theoretical and practical classes and training, you will need a laptop that comes with a long battery life.
Ideally, a battery life ranging from 8 to 10 hours is most suitable for a nursing school student, the more the better, but that will come at a higher price.
This will ensure that you will not need to look out for a power outlet to charge your system, which, in a school or a college is hard to find free.
If you can afford, you can buy one of those high-end laptops which come with a battery life as high as 11 to 15 hours, almost three times that of the budget laptops.
Therefore, consider your budget as well as the time you will spend in your nursing school to decide how long a battery life you want in your system.
Operating system
There are three different types of operating systems that you can choose from when it comes to buying a laptop for using in the nursing school.
These different operating systems are Windows, Mac, and Chrome OS.
Before you choose any one of them, you should consider whether or not the operating system will fulfill all the requirements of the nursing school, your course requirements, and will support all the different types of software you need to run on it.
If your school does not specify it and if you are unsure which operating system you should choose, it is always wise to go with a Windows operating system.
This OS will run on any device and support almost all types of software. It will also come with a lot of useful features and adequate security.
FAQ:
What are the software requirements in a laptop for nursing students?
The most common types of software that you will use and need to have in your laptop for nursing school includes Microsoft Office, Adobe reader, Flash, Java, Shockwave, and QuickTime. Depending on your school requirements you may also need to install other specific software programs such as Lexicomp, Typhon clinical logs, and Epocrates.
What can I get when I want a budget laptop for nursing students?
If you are on a tight budget, you may buy one of the lightest and cheapest Windows laptops that you can afford. You can even go for a refurbished laptop. Apart from the operating system, you should not worry about the performance and specs at all. An affordable Chromebook will also do, provided you have another laptop to run other software, apps, and to take exams.
Should I choose a laptop for nursing school that is easy to sanitize?
Sanitizing your laptop is essential and therefore you should ask the manufacturer about it when you buy your laptop. Both Apple and Microsoft have put up specific recommendations and instructions in their websites about it. This will not only keep your laptop free from any potential germs infection but will also help you to get a replacement in case you mess something up.
Should I use a tablet or a laptop for my nursing school?
Tablets happen to be the most favorite tool for nursing school students and it needs no explanation for it. It is easy to use a tablet during lectures. However, you will need a PC at home as well to run the DVD and CDs from your textbooks and to write your term papers and reports. It is much better and prudent to buy a 2-in-1 laptop instead.
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